Case-series · July 29, 2026
Outcomes of Chiropractic Care for Low Back Pain: A Retrospective Case Series from Foothills Chiropractic
Abstract
Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent condition affecting a significant portion of the global population, often leading to considerable disability and economic burden. While conventional treatments are common, chiropractic care offers an alternative approach. This study retrospectively examines the outcomes of chiropractic interventions for LBP. Methods: This case series analyzed de-identified patient data (N=11) from Foothills Chiropractic in Travelers Rest, SC, spanning January 2023 to January 2024. Inclusion criteria required documented LBP (ICD-10 M54.5) with reported pain reduction percentages. Treatment modalities included Zone Technique, Koren Specific Technique, and Pulstar Computerized Adjusting. Results: A mean pain reduction of 82% (median 82%) was observed among the 11 patients. Individual pain reduction percentages ranged from 65% to 100%. The duration of care varied, with significant improvements noted within weeks to a few months. For instance, one patient, aged 45-55, experienced a 100% reduction in pain over five months, resolving pain that inhibited daily activities. Conclusions: The findings suggest that chiropractic care, utilizing a combination of techniques, may be effective in reducing low back pain intensity in this patient cohort. Future controlled studies are warranted to further investigate these outcomes.
Methods
This retrospective case series analyzed de-identified patient data collected from January 2023 to January 2024 at Foothills Chiropractic in Travelers Rest, SC, under the care of Dr. Mike Geran, DC. The study inclusion criteria were adult patients presenting with a primary diagnosis of low back pain (ICD-10 M54.5) who had completed a course of chiropractic care at the clinic and had documented pain reduction percentages post-treatment. A total of 11 patient cases met these criteria. Data points collected for each case included patient age range, chief complaint, initial and final pain levels (where available for calculation), reported pain reduction percentage, and treatment timeframe. While specific baseline and post-treatment metrics for mobility were not consistently tracked across all cases, pain reduction was a primary outcome reported by all included patients. Treatment protocols generally involved a combination of chiropractic techniques practiced at Foothills Chiropractic, namely Zone Technique, Koren Specific Technique, and Pulstar Computerized Adjusting Technique. These techniques were applied based on individualized patient assessments. The data were extracted from existing patient records without any direct patient contact or intervention for the purpose of this study. The retrospective nature of this case series, relying on previously collected clinical data, inherently carries limitations, including potential for selection bias and reliance on self-reported outcome measures. No ethical approval was sought as this study utilized de-identified, existing clinical data and did not involve human subjects research.
Discussion
The observed outcomes in this retrospective case series suggest a consistent and favorable response to chiropractic care for low back pain (LBP) within the analyzed patient cohort at Foothills Chiropractic. The mean pain reduction of 82% and a median of 82% indicate a significant positive impact on patient-reported pain levels. These figures compare favorably with general clinical expectations for non-pharmacological interventions in LBP management, where success is often defined by a substantial reduction in pain and improvement in functional status. The individual case vignettes, showing pain reductions ranging from 65% to 100% within varying timeframes, further underscore the potential efficacy of the techniques employed, including Zone Technique, Koren Specific Technique, and Pulstar Computerized Adjusting. The case of the patient who achieved a 100% pain reduction after a motor vehicle accident is particularly noteworthy, illustrating the potential for complete resolution of debilitating LBP. This outcome, allowing the patient to resume daily activities without discomfort, highlights the profound impact chiropractic care can have on quality of life. The clinical implications of these findings are substantial. For patients struggling with chronic or acute LBP, chiropractic care, as practiced at Foothills Chiropractic, appears to offer a viable pathway to pain relief and functional restoration. The diverse age range of patients experiencing positive results suggests broad applicability. While this series lacks a control group and relies on self-reported measures, the magnitude of pain reduction observed across multiple patients warrants further investigation through more rigorous study designs. These results may encourage practitioners to consider similar multi-modal chiropractic approaches for managing LBP.
Limitations
This retrospective case series has several inherent limitations. Firstly, its retrospective design means that data were collected for clinical purposes, not research, which may lead to inconsistencies in documentation and measurement. Secondly, it is a single-site study conducted at Foothills Chiropractic, limiting the generalizability of the findings to other chiropractic practices or patient populations. Thirdly, the primary outcome measure, pain reduction percentage, was largely self-reported by patients, introducing potential for recall bias or subjective exaggeration/underestimation. There was no consistent tracking of mobility improvement, a crucial aspect of LBP recovery. Fourthly, the absence of a control group prevents direct comparison of chiropractic care outcomes against alternative treatments or no treatment, making it difficult to definitively attribute observed improvements solely to the interventions. Finally, the study is subject to potential selection bias, as data were only available for patients who completed their care and had reported outcomes, possibly excluding those with less favorable results or those who discontinued treatment early.